All 85 contestants of the 65th edition of Miss Universe pageant were present at the Governor's Ball held on Monday night, January 16, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
The event was attended by top executives of the pageant's sponsors Okada Manila, Solar Entertainment Inc., SM Lifestyle Entertainment Corporation, Philippine Airlines, Pass It Forward, JPark Island Resort and Waterworld Cebu, and the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio.
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach also graced the red carpet event.
In an interview with members of the press, the 27-year-old beauty queen said, "I can't wait to meet them and hear their stories and hear their experience since they've been here. I look forward to making new friends now that I'm here."
Named after former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson (LCS), the ball was a black-tie dinner where members of the high society get an opportunity to have a close encounter with the global beauty queens.
It also aimed to raise awareness for Pass It Forward (PAI), a fund-raising site for various causes and advocacies.
The ticket per head ranged from 18,000 to 25,000 pesos.
Filipina-Iranian model Joey Mead King was the night's host.
The candidates, as expected, wore fabulous frocks.
The guests enjoyed a sumptuous three-course dinner courtesy of Via Mare.
For their appetizer, there were three choices: Salmon Tartar in Sesame Come, white Anchovy Ceviche, and Flaked Chicken Triangles.
For the main course, Prawns Catalan with Mesclun on Crispy Noodles, Roasted Pumpkin with Green Apple Cream, and Slow-cooked Beef Brisket with Potato Croquettes or Haricot Verts were served.
Last but not the least, the guests had Ube Wonder with fresh fruits for dessert.
World Hip-Hop Dance Champ Philippine All-stars kicked off the event with an electrifying performance.
After the opening number, the 86 candidates of the beauty pageant were officially presented.
Philippine bet Maxine Medina looked effortlessly beautiful in a scarlet red, strapless gown by Rhett Eala.
Meanwhile, Nelson Canlas of GMA News reported that Miss Italy Sophia Sergio fainted after the candidates' roll call.
Moments later, she returned to the venue, told the guests she's okay, and gave the thumbs-up sign.
Philippines' finest performers Jed Maddela, Radha, and Frenchie Dy performed folk songs.
Jonalyn Viray sang the official theme song of the beauty pageant titled "Confidently Beautiful."
Spotted was the Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo
Beauty queen-maker Jonas Gaffud and DOT's Undersecretary Kat de Castro
World boxing champ and Senator Manny Pacquiao
Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran
Maxine's mentor Nad Bronce, her mother Marife Medina, and sister Ferica Medina...
Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa
Actress Dawn Zulueta
Gretchen Barretto (middle)
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(L-R) Solar Entertainment Corporation's President and CEO Wilson Tieng, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Chairman of LCS Group of Companies Chavit Singson, and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada (seated)
